H5N1 Bird Flu Poses 'Much Worse' Pandemic Risk Than Covid, WHO Warns

Former World Health Organisation (WHO) chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan has warned that H5N1 bird flu is among the top pandemic threats, with human infections historically carrying a far higher mortality rate than Covid. The warning comes as bird flu has resurfaced in India, with new cases found across several states in early 2025, according to reports.

H5N1 Mortality Risk Compared to Covid

Dr Swaminathan stated that “the influenza viruses are actually number one on the list of viruses that pose pandemic threats. Coronaviruses are also up there.” She emphasized that H5N1 is “very worrying” because of its impact on human infections.

“Unlike Covid, which has a mortality of less than 1%, H5N1 in humans has a mortality which is much, much higher,” Dr Swaminathan told News18. She explained that the concern extends beyond current human cases, noting that “once it’s in mammals, it means that the virus has already adapted itself to survive in mammals and spread from one to another.”

Mutation and Adaptation Risk

Dr Swaminathan warned of the potential for H5N1 to mutate and adapt to humans, as occurred with SARS-CoV-2. “It could be a matter of time before there are further mutations and it adapts to become a human virus, just like SARS-CoV-2 ultimately developed some mutations which enabled it to jump to humans and cause human-to-human transmission,” she said.

If such adaptation occurs, the consequences could be severe. “If that happens, it’s an extremely serious situation, extremely serious. And it could be a pandemic that’s much worse than the coronavirus pandemic,” Dr Swaminathan stated.

Preparedness and Surveillance

Dr Swaminathan called for comprehensive tracking and surveillance across sectors. She also highlighted the need for vaccine development and antiviral therapeutics. “We have got some antiviral therapeutics like oseltamivir that act against H5N1, but we need much more R&D here,” she said.

Human trials of a bird flu vaccine began in April 2026, marking a significant step in preparedness efforts.

Background on Bird Flu

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is an infection caused by type A influenza viruses that mainly affect birds. It is usually associated with wild waterfowl and poultry but has drawn growing international concern because of its wider spread into mammals and sporadic human infections.

In people, symptoms typically develop between one and 10 days after exposure and can range from mild flu-like illness to severe disease. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches.

Globally, health agencies say the overall risk to the general public remains low, but they are monitoring the situation closely. In the UK, the UK Health Security Agency has repeatedly said the risk to the public is very low, though outbreaks in birds are managed through biosecurity rules and local restrictions when needed.

FAQ

Q: What is H5N1 bird flu? A: H5N1, also known as avian influenza, is an infection caused by type A influenza viruses that mainly affect birds. It is usually associated with wild waterfowl and poultry but has drawn growing international concern because of its wider spread into mammals and sporadic human infections.

Q: How does H5N1 mortality compare to Covid? A: According to Dr Soumya Swaminathan, H5N1 in humans has a mortality rate that is “much, much higher” than Covid, which has a mortality rate of less than 1%.

Q: What is the current risk level to the general public? A: Globally, health agencies say the overall risk to the general public remains low, though they are monitoring the situation closely. The UK Health Security Agency has stated the risk to the public is very low.